What’s a better way to word “times are hard” [closed]
Solution 1:
Depends on the context, but the going got tough is a choice for something more colloquial.
He was the one who had taught her to pick herself up when the going got tough and get right back in there. (Friends for Life; Carol Smith; Little Brown, Great Britian, 1995)
OED
P4. Originally U.S. Proverb. when the going gets tough, the tough get going: pressure or adversity acts as a stimulus to those of strong character. Also with variation of the main clause, frequently with humorous intent.